Posts Tagged ‘Hophead’
Brighton Sea Power
Feb 24th, 2011 |
Had an enjoyable trip to Brighton to see British Sea Power at Komedia – a venue in the North Laines area of Brighton. But of course it wouldn’t be a proper trip to Brighton without taking in some pubs. See an earlier post for a description of a Brighton pub crawl.
Brighton Sea Power: Read the full post »
The Harp, National Pub of the Year
Feb 22nd, 2011 |
On Wednesday 16th February 2011 CAMRA announced that the Harp in London’s Covent Garden had won the 2010/2011 National Pub of the Year Award.
It is the first time that a London pub has won this award, and the Harp has beaten three other excellent pubs which made it to the final shortlist.
The Harp, National Pub of the Year: Read the full post »
Is it Hophead, or is it Hophead?
Oct 6th, 2010 |
On a recent routine trip to a couple of pubs in the Holborn area of London I came across a beer called Hophead at the Knights Templar – the Wetherspoons pub in Chancery Lane.
Now those of you who know me, and indeed those of you who don’t might assume that I was talking about the Dark Star beer which has become prevalent in London these days. But no! I was amazed to discover another Hophead on the street – this one from a brewery called Brewsters of Lincolnshire. Well, I had to try that.
Is it Hophead, or is it Hophead?: Read the full post »
Party at the Dispensary, Aldgate
Nov 29th, 2009 |
I’ve written about the Dispensary in Aldgate before in my Aldgate lunchtime series. But on Friday 20th November I left my last job and had my leaving party there. The turnout was very good as you can see from this picture.
Annie, who runs the Dispensary, always keeps the beer well and I was sustained for the evening by pints of Dark Star Hophead and Harvey’s Best. I didn’t try the Itchen Valley Gold or the Dark Star Porter but I’m told they were good too.
If you are ever in the Aldgate area I do recommend the Dispensary for a fine pint – it’s a bit cheaper than some pubs around as well. They put out complimentary nibbles on a Friday evening too.
The Harp Bar, Covent Garden
Oct 5th, 2009 |
I recently revisited the Harp in Covent Garden, London after a break of a couple of months and unbelievably the pub has got even better. I’m told this is due to the fact that the landlady has bought the pub outright from Punch and now has complete control over how it’s run and what beers to stock.
I was a late convert to the Harp some 2 – 3 years ago but now when in the rea it’s a must visit pub. It used to be one of the smokiest pubs in London, but that’s all changed now and the atmosphere is just people enjoying themselves.
Harp, Covent Garden
The pub is extremely narrow inside and when it’s busy (seemingly all of the time) it can be a struggle to get past the bar to the slightly larger open area at the back. There is a quieter room up the narrow stairs if you need a bit of peace and quiet. Be aware though, the stairs are almost as precarious as those at the Seven Stars in Chancery Lane.
The beer selection will never disappoint as there are 8 different beers on at any one time. The selection varies constantly apart from the two staples and on my last visit the list comprised:
- Harvey’s Sussex Best – a regular here. Almost as good as being in a Harvey’s pub.
- Sambrook’s Wandle – Hoped it might taste like the Wandsworth brewed Young’s ordinary but it’s a different beer completely. Similar colour but much fuller in taste, and maltier. It calmed down to a subtle caramel flavour.
- Dark Star Hophead – As good as you’d expect it to taste but slightly glazed.
- Dark Star Original – Such a deep, dark beer but not as intense as the Espresso.
- Morrisey-Fox Blonde – My first opportunity to try this on draught and much better than the bottles. It’s a strong golden ale – not unlike Summer Lightning but somehow richer.
- Timothy Taylor Landlord – Not tried, but another constant I believe.
- Holden’s Will O Wisp – Not tried
- St Austell Tribute – Not tried
If you’re hungry there are various sausages in a roll to eat assuming there are any left – they’re very popular. These are cooked for you behind the bar.
Update: The Harp now has a website.
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